Securing Your Castle

In the world of today, we no longer employ the moat, drawbridge or 30 foot high walls as security devices. However, if we know the correct methods and devices to use, we can attain better security than those devices afforded.

Our first line of defense, is to be aware of our surroundings. Your neighborhood may be in an urban, or suburban area, it may be an apartment building or a gated and guarded community. Each of these environments has it’s own unique challenges, but all share one common factor, there are other people living close by.

If you and your neighbors are familiar to each other, this in itself is a defense against intruders.

Your degree of interaction can range from complete avoidance to active participation in programs such as National Night Out or Neighborhood Watch.

The more you and your neighbors interact, the safer and more secure your neighborhood will be.

Do It Yourself Home Security Survey

Lets start with the really simple things to check. Did you have your locks re keyed when you moved in? Do you know how many keys fit your doors, and who has them? If you answered no to either of these questions, you should contact your professional locksmith, for a discussion on key control and key control systems.

Next is your front yard, building entryway, or hallway to the apartment. If you have a front yard as you walk up to the front door, look around the area, is there excessive shrubbery that either hides the entry or provides a hiding area for someone? Does your porch light work? Does it project enough light for you to clearly see someone on your porch at night? Are your able to adequately observe the porch area from inside your home, with the door closed, using a door viewer?

If you do not have a clear view of these areas, contact your professional locksmith to discuss the available options. A new modern door viewer may be adequate, or possibly a video door bell system or even CCTV may be needed.

Since we are now at the front door, let